Sacha Baron Cohen has opened up about discussions with Marvel Studios over its concerns about antisemitic stereotypes surrounding Mephisto. The Ironheart star debuted as the MCU’s live-action Mephisto in 2025. Cohen said Marvel Studios was mindful of the historical antisemitic associations between Jewish people and the Devil.
“It was a wonderful meeting when I was offered it,” Cohen told Josh Horowitz during a live taping of the Happy Sad Confused podcast (via Variety). The actor noted that the show was “almost entirely” produced and directed by a Black team.
How Marvel’s Ironheart team addressed concerns about Mephisto
Cohen provided more context about his casting, recalling, “And they said, ‘We want to offer you Mephisto, but we are aware of the negative association of Jews historically with the devil, and we want to make sure that you’re not insulted by us offering this.’ It was such an amazingly considerate, empathetic thing to say. And I was like, ‘Yeah, I’m good.’”
Mephisto is a demonic villain in Marvel Comics, making the historical association between Jewish people and the Devil relevant to the casting discussion. Mephisto often deceives Marvel heroes through manipulative bargains and schemes. Baron Cohen was a popular fan-casting choice for years before he was officially cast as Mephisto.
In the final episode of Ironheart, Mephisto makes a deal with Riri Williams to bring her best friend Natalie Washington back to life. The finale hints that the deal will come at a cost for Riri, although the full consequences remain unclear.
“I think for the Jews out there, sometimes we don’t feel seen,” Cohen said. “We don’t feel like people can empathize with us, that we are suffering too. And so to have this entirely Black producing and directing team be so empathetic, was a moment of being seen. It was an amazing experience.”
Marvel Television’s Ironheart is streaming on Disney+. A second season has not been announced, and it is unclear where the titular hero and Mephisto will appear in the MCU.
Originally reported on SuperHeroHype.com.
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